VITA

Linda Sonna, B.A., M.Ed., Ph.D.

___________________________

Degrees

Ph.D., Counseling Psychology, University of Illinois, 1977. Graduated with high honors and distinction in the curriculum.

M.Ed., Educational Psychology, University of Illinois, 1975. Graduated with honors.

B.A., Spanish Education, University of Illinois, 1971. Dean's list, James Scholar, graduated with honors.

Credentials & Special Honors

Licensed Clinical Psychologist, State of Texas

Health Service Provider, State of Texas

Licensed School Psychologist, State of New Mexico (expired)

Licensed Educational Diagnostician, State of New Mexico (expired)

Licensed School Counselor, State of New Mexico (expired)

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, State of New Mexico (retired for 2011- 2012)

Secondary School Teaching Certificates, State of New Mexico, endorsements in Psychology, Bilingual Education, TESOL, and Modern & Classical Languages (expired)

Poets & Writer's Directory of Poets

Advanced Mediator Training

Teaching English as a Second Language, LVA Certificate

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, State of Texas (expired)

Licensed Foster Care Provider, New Mexico, 1995 – 1997

Licensed Treatment Foster Parent, State of New Mexico, 1997 - 1998

Who's Who in America, 1992

Allied Health Staff, Green Oaks, Charter, & Brookhaven psychiatric hospitals in Dallas, 1982 -1989

Who's Who in Young Women In America, 1980

Young Careerist, Business & Professional Woman's Association, 1980

K-12 Teacher, State of Illinois, K-12, 1970-1972

Guidance Counselor, State of Illinois 1970-1972

CPI, CPR, and First Aid Certifications, 1997

Illinois State Scholar, 1968

National Honor Society, 1968

Quill & Scroll Honorary Writing Society, 1968

Winner, San Miguel Writer's Conference Writing Contest, for Tortillas & Peanut Butter: Confessions of an American Mom Turned Mexican Smuggler (book-length memoir), 2007

Special Merit Award, Byliners Texas-Wide Writing Contest (light verse), 1994

Winner, Byliners Texas-Wide Writing Contest (non-fiction book proposal), 1993

Winner, Byliners Texas-Wide Writing Contest (short fiction), 1992

Honorable mention, Writers' Digest contest (poetry), 1992

Winner, Quill & Scroll Journalism Award, Feature Article, 1968

Employment Background

Professor of Psychology, Yorkville University. Developing and teaching graduate online courses for Multicultural Counseling and the Master's Case Presentation. Part time, 2003 – present.

Presenter, Writers' Workshops. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. April - July, 2006.

Teaching, tutoring Spanish and English. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. April - July, 2006; Taos, NM July - November, 2006.

Disaster Relief, Westover Consulting. Crisis counseling for Red Cross Staff, Hurricane Katrina and Rita evacuees in shelters; emergency intake assessments on children and adolescents clients and professional staff at Rosenblum clinic in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. October, 2005.

Intern Supervisor, Southwestern College. Supervising counselors-in-training at the Grief and Loss Center of Taos, 2005 - 2006.

Outpatient Therapist, private practice. Part time, 1998 – present.

Writing Instructor/Coach. Part time, 1995 – 2006.

Associate Editor, Positive Parenting Magazine. Part time, 1993 – 2006.

Online Course Development & Design. Thomson/Wadsworth Publishing. Developed content and graphics for online tutorial for introductory college psychology course. Part time, 2003 – 2004.

Psychology Adjunct Professor, University of New Mexico-North, Taos, NM. Teaching Personality Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Family Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Child Psychopathology, Educational Psychology, and Cross-Cultural Psychology to upper division and graduate students, 1996 – 2003, various semesters.

Psychology Instructor, UNM-Taos, Taos Education Center, Taos, NM. Teaching Human Development, Introductory Psychology, Child Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Human Services courses to community college students. January, 1995 – 2002, various semesters.

Citizen Review Board Facilitator, Citizen’s Review Board, State of New Mexico. Facilitating Taos and Española Boards that review cases of foster care children and writing recommendations for judges. Part time, 1999 – 2002.

Outpatient Therapist, Taos/Colfax Community Services. Individual, family, group psychotherapy, case manager supervision for the Psycho-Social Rehabilitation program. August, 1999 – March, 2000.

Dissertation Design & Support. Assisting master's and doctoral students to design research studies, analyze statistics, and write theses and dissertations in education and the social sciences. January, 1996 – June, 1998.

Instructor, Instituto de Estudios Interoamericanos, Cuenca, Ecuador. Teaching Literature and Creative Writing to adults and English as a second language to children. Fall semester, 1998.

Instructor, Future School Dalian, China. Teaching children, adolescents, and adults; beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. Summer semester, 1998.

Website Reviewer. EyeOnTheWeb.Com. April – June, 1998.

Director, The Taos Writer's Connection. Taos, NM. Teaching creative writing, free-lance creative and technical writing and editing, presenting and organizing workshops, 1995 – June, 1998.

Computer Consultant. Home PC configuration, web design. 1995 – 1999.

Treatment Foster Parent, Raindancer Youth Services, Taos, NM, 1997.

Spanish Tutor. 1996 – 2004.

Columnist. Talk Back Views Magazine, Taos, NM. August, 1996 – 1997.

Creative Writing Instructor. Taos Education Center, January – December, 1996.

Foster Mother. Children Youth and Family Services, Taos, NM, February, 1995 – 1997.

Substitute Teacher. Taos Municipal Schools. September, 1995 – May, 1996.

Private Practice Clinical Psychologist. Provided individual, group, family therapy, and psychological assessments to children, adolescents, and adults. Specialized in children the first 10 years; thereafter specialized in patients with borderline personality disorders and chronic, low functioning patients with serious mental disorders. Provided consultation and staff development workshops for community mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, and school districts. Supervised and counseled social workers, counselors, psychologists, and other mental health professionals. 1978 – 1995.

Instructor, Eastfield, Mountain View, Richland, and Northlake, and El Centro Colleges in the Dallas County Community College District, Taught Introductory Psychology, Human Development, Personality, Human Sexuality, and Interpersonal Relations courses. Part-time, various semesters, 1975 – 1995.

Clinical Psychologist, Dallas County Mental Health/Mental Retardation, Child and Adolescent Services Division. Provided individual, marital, family, and group therapy; conducted psychological assessments. 1976 – 1979.

Administrator of Educational Research and Evaluation, Dallas County Community College District. Designed and implemented research studies; coordinated research efforts by supervising Ph.D. and master's candidates. 1975 – 1976.

Secondary School Teacher, Crete/Monee School District in Illinois. Teaching high school Spanish, French, and bilingual high school classes. 1971 – 1973.

Teaching English as a Second Language, Instituto Norteamericano de Estudios Bilingues,Irapuato, Mexico. Part-time teaching of English as a second language to bilingual secretarial students. 1968 – 1970.

Publications

Books

Earthships: A New Mecca Poetry Collection, Zachary Kluckman, Editor. Contributor to anthology: "Bury the Why" and "The Prophetess," (Horse and Tiger Press (2007)

Mommy Rescue Guide: Potty Training: Lifesaving Techniques and Advice for an Easy Transition. (Adams Media, 2007)

First Friends: Nurturing Toddler's Social Relationships. (Routledge/Psychology Press - under contract)

Parent's Guide to Raising Siblings. (F + W Publications, Littleton, MA, 2006)

Early-Start Potty Training. McGraw Hill, New York, 2005

The Parent's Guide to Attention Deficit Disorder. F + W Publications, Littleton, MA, 2005

The Everything Parenting a Teenager Book. F + W Publications, Littleton MA., 2004

A Cup of Comfort for Inspiration. Contributor to anthology published by Adams Media, 2003

The Everything Tween Book: A parent's guide to surviving the turbulent pre-teen years Adams Media, Littleton, MA. May, 2003

The Everything Potty Training Book: Professional, reassuring advice to help you and your child through this challenging time. Adams Media, Littleton, MA, 2002

The Everything Toddler Book: From tantrums to potty training, practical advice to get you and your toddler through the formative years. Adams Media, Littleton, MA, 2002

The Homework Solution: Getting kids to do their homework. Williamson Publishers, VT, 1990

The Homework Plan: A parent's guide to helping kids excel. Berkley Publishing Group, New York, 1994

Poetry

"The Warning," poem in Lunarosity Journal of Poetry and Fiction by Contemporary Authors. October, 2006.

“El Valle Mio," poem in La Herencia Magazine of Art and Culture, May, 2006.

"Uncle Jesse's Giggles," poem. Lunarosity: Journal of Poetry and Fiction by Contemporary Authors September, 2004

"Delphinium Dancing," poem. Lunarosity: Journal of Poetry and Fiction by Contemporary Authors, May, 2004.

“Sculpted by Love," poem. Chokecherries Anthology, 2003-2004.

"Love at Noon," poem. Chokecherries Anthology, 2003-2004.

"Midlife Mama Rap,” featured poem on Prosenpoetry.com, December, 2003.

"Como Ayer," poem in El Crepúsculo, February, 2003.

"El Valle Mio," poem en El Crepúsculo, September, 2002.

Articles, Columns, & Essays

30 articles on parenting teens for Nickelodeon Website

"Toddler Meals." Chapters reprinted in Mommy Rescue Guide: Toddler Meals: Lifesaving Recipes and Advice for Making Fun, Nutritious Food by Shana Priwer and Cynthia, Ph.D. Phillips (Adams Media, 2007)

"Treating ADHD," www.clubmom.com

"Winter Blues," www.clubmom.com
"Emotion, Morality, and the Right to Die," www.clubmom.com
"Helping a Child with ADD/ADHD Symptoms," www.clubmom.com
"Types of Depression," www.clubmom.com
"Attention Deficiency Disorder," www.clubmom.com
"The Soul of Commercialism," www.clubmom.com
"Marked for Life," www.clubmom.com
"Censorship in the Arts", www.clubmom.com
"Strengthening Teenagers to Withstand Peer Pressure," www.clubmom.com

"Special Needs Siblings" and "Handling Sibling Age Differences." Parent's Guide News, August, 2006.

"A Presidential Blast from the Past,” Positive Parenting Magazine, February, 2006.

"Lessons from Katrina." LAS Alumni Association Newspaper, February, 2006.

“Tweens and Sleep,” Tween News, December, 2004.

“Kids Who Lose Their Cool," Positive Parenting Magazine, February, 2004.

“Solving the Teen Violence Problem,” Taos News, November, 2003.

"Befriending Trouble," Positive Parenting Magazine, March, 2003.

"Teens: From Trying to Terrific," Positive Parenting Magazine, January, 2003.

"The Best Christmas Presents," Positive Parenting Magazine, December, 2003.

"Best Homework Tips," Positive Parenting Magazine, October, 2002.

"Homework and your Child," Positive Parenting Magazine, August, 2002.

"Toddler Swim Safety," Positive Parenting Magazine, June, 2002.

"Library Ordinance Awaits Town Action," Taos News, November 15, 2001.

"Proposed Library Ordinance Draws Public Ire," Taos News, November 8, 2001.

“Mourners Want Peace, Not War," Taos News, October 18, 2001.
"Six Steps to a Clean Slate," Positive Parenting Magazine, August, 2001.
"Wallowing in Words," (poem) The Writing Parent, September, 2000.
"Animal Control." Talk Back Magazine, April, 1998.
”Taos Day School." Talk Back Magazine, March, 1998.
"Final Exit: Book Review." Talk Back Magazine, June, 1997.
"Artists 10, Festival Organizers 0." Talk Back Magazine, May, 1997.
"Here and Now, If Not Always: Foster Parenting." Talk Back Magazine, April, 1997.
"The Broccoli Cure for Writer's Block." ByLine Magazine, September, 1996.
"Gangs: A New Kind of Family." Talk Back Magazine, September, 1996.
"Mr. Spider's Webs." Talk Back Magazine, September, 1996.
"Overcoming the Back to School Blues." Educating our Children, September, 1996.
"Cleaning Up After Oklahoma." International Risk Management, September, 1995.
"Information Technology Success at Texas Instruments." International Risk Management, September, 1995.
"Boredom Blasters." Positive Parenting Magazine, September, 1994.
”Lessons from the Lion King." Positive Parenting Magazine. June, 1994.
"Abolish Homework?" Dallas Morning News, Guest Columnist for Education Extra, January,1994.
"No More Fear of Flying," International Risk Management Journal, February, 1995.
”Keep Learning Alive," Jackson Parents & Kids, Jackson, Mississippi, 1994.
"Art Lessons from Augie N'Kele: The Making of a Creative Kid," Positive Parenting Magazine, 1994.
"Helping Kids Become Creative," (column series) Young Texas Writer, 1993.
"Summer Outings: A Great Homework Project," PTA Today, 1993.
"Jealous Peer Pressure," Positive Parenting Magazine, 1993.
"Hi Tech Homework," Positive Parenting Magazine, 1993.
"PTA Homework Projects," Positive Parenting Magazine, 1993.
"Homework Help for Harried Parents", PTA Today, 1992.
"Color Blindness Is A Handicap," op editorial, The Dallas Morning News, 1992.
"Denny's Mothers," Dallas Child, July, 1992.

"Unraveling Our Stereotypes--One Person At A Time," The Houston Chronicle, 1992.

"Sensitive People Break Stereotypes One By One," Fort Worth Star Telegram, 1992.

"Multicultural Sensitivity," The Cleveland Plain Dealer, 1992.

"College Credit Courses by Open-Circuit Television," Instructional Television: Status and Directions, Ackerman & Lipsitz, Ed., with Theodore Pohrte, 1977.

"A Rationale for Human Investment," Developing the Nation's Workforce, Merle Strong, Editor. With Rupert N. Evans, 1975.

The following parenting columns and articles appeared in Positive Parenting Magazine, The Family Journal, Denver Parent Newsmagazine, Gwinnett Family Reader, Long Island Parenting News, Parentguide Magazine, San Diego Family Press, Suburban Parent, Vermont Parent & Child, The Kidzette, North Dallas Addresses, Bent Trail Avoir, Bent Tree Avoir, Today's Publications, The Lakewood Spirit, Jackson Parent & Child, and The Dallas Morning News as a self-syndicated column entitled "Homework Wizardry or "EduCaring," or as individual articles:

"Militant Mamas"
"New School Year Resolutions"
"Parents, Have You Done Your Homework?"
"Bringing Homework Out Of The Bedroom"
"What The Kids Say"
"Teaching Time Management"
"Summer Time Management for Kids"
"Goal Setting for Kids"
"Kids Who Lose Their Cool"
"Mom's Reading Method"
"Math Mania"
"Straight Talk About Retention"
"Holidays & Homework"
"The Carrot And The Stick"
”Homework: The Job Kids Love To Hate"
"Just Say 'No' To TV"
"Overcoming Student Burn-out"
"Homework Fanatics"
"The Case Of The Disappearing Homework Papers"
"Homework Survival Strategies"
"Taking Charge"
"Helping A Budding Author to Blossom"
"Sit Still & Concentrate!"
"Helping a Troubled Child"
"A Case of Puppy Love"
"Thanks, Teach"
"An Educational Bon Voyage"
"Homework Do's and Don'ts"
"Pre-School Homework Readiness"
"College Homework Solutions"
"Wanda for President"
"Abolish Homework?"
"Gourmet Academics," Dallas Child, 1989.
"The Talented And Gifted Child," Dallas Child, 1989.
"Play Therapy: What's It All About," (in an edited book of readings), 1989.
"Homework Phobia," Dallas Child, October, 1988.
"Testing A Child's IQ," Dallas Child, September, 1988.
"Drug Abuse: A Second Look," Law Enforcement Review, 1985.
"Testing The Talented And Gifted Child," RAGT Newsletter, 1981.
"The High Cost of Giving Up," Scene Magazine, Dallas Morning News. July 5, 1981.

Professional Activities

Vice Chairman, Yorkville Faculty Senate. June, 2009 - present.

Presentation: “Cross-Cultural Communication,” 3-hour continuing education course; open to the general public. Rotary Club San Miguel, Guanajuato, October 5, 2010;The Emowerment Center San Miguel, Guanajuato, February 9, 2011; La Manzanilla, Jalisco, March 11, 2011.

Presentation: "Communication Effectiveness for Hospice Workers." 12-hour Continuing Education Course, Hospice San Miguel, San Miguel de Allende, May, 2009.

Presentation: "Ethics in Psychological Treatment: The Slippery Slope." 3-hour continuing education course; open to the general public. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, August, 2008.

Presentation, "Mexican Culture," Biblioteca, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. July, 2007.

Presentation, "Parenting Your Adult Child." Sponsored by Lifepath Workshops, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, June, 2007.

Presentation, “Diagnosis and Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorders.” NM State Association of Addiction Professionals, Silver City, NM, August, 2003.

Mediation Training, UNM Faculty Dispute Resolution Center, 2003.

Trainer, Continuing Education Courses for Psychologists, Social Workers, and Counselors.

Trainer, Community Against Violence. Teaching Life Skills Classes. Taos, NM 1999.

Consultant, Red Willow Head Start Program. Teaching technical writing and curriculum design to Tiwa pre-school and kindergarten teachers on Taos Pueblo Reservation, 2003 (?).

Parenting, Coping with College, and Resume Writing.

Consultant, The Family Place Shelter for Battered Women of Dallas. Program design of infant's and children's program, staff development, and therapist supervision.

Consultant, Turtle Creek Manor half-way house for the emotionally disturbed. Staff development and counselor supervision.

Symposium Presenter, "Managing the Borderline Patient in an Inpatient Psychiatric Facility," Brookhaven Psychiatric Pavilion.

Presentation, "Solving Students' Homework Problems," National Convention of Secondary School Administrators; Green Oaks Hospital; PTA's.

Training Seminar, "Inter-racial Sensitivity Training," Tarrant County Sheriff's Department.

Training Seminar, "Supervisory Skills Training," Dallas County Employees.

Training Seminar, "Managing The Difficult Client," Dallas County Probation Department.

Training Seminar, "Homework For The New Generation," Region XI administrators and teachers.

Presentation, "Psychotherapy with the Difficult-To-Treat Patient OR The Joy of Borderlines, Green Oaks Psychiatric Hospital medical staff.

Workshop Leader, "Psychotherapy with Sexually Abused Children," Mental Health Association of Dallas.

Keynote Speaker, "The Suicidal Adolescent," Regional PTA meeting.

Lecture, "Counseling Involuntary and Non-verbal Clients," Dallas County Mental Health/Mental Retardation.

Lecture, "Getting Kids To Do Their Homework," Green Oaks Hospital Parent Education Program; Carrollton, Watauga, Dallas, and Rockwall PTAs.

Presentation, "Homework Solutions: A Family Therapy Intervention," Texas Psychological Association. (CE credits provided)

Keynote Speaker, "Bridging The Gap." Cape Girardeau, Missouri Parenting Conference.

Workshop Leader, "Arming Your Child Against Peer Pressure. Colleyville, TX.

Research

Homework Solutions: A Family Therapy Intervention. Paper presented to the Texas Psychological Association. Dallas, 1992.

The Family Dynamics of Childhood Sexual Abuse. Paper summarizing research presented to the American Association of Women Psychologists. Dallas, 1980.

Presentation, "Play Therapy: What's It All About," Texas Psychological Association. Dallas, 198?

Supervision of Counselors-In-Training. Paper summarizing research presented to the American Personnel and Guidance Association Regional Convention. Kansas City, 1976.

Evaluation of Teaching English by Open-Circuit Television in a Community College: An Examination of Attitudinal and Achievement Variables. Doctoral Dissertation.

Attitudes toward Educational Programming: A Comparison of Vocational, General, and College Preparatory Secondary School Students. Master's Thesis.

Art Work

Chokecherries Anthology, 2004

1^st State Bank, Taos, NM, 2004

Sunflower Store, Taos, NM, 2004

Stables Art Gallery, Taos, NM, 2002

Amigos Bravos Paintathon, Taos NM, 2002

Café Tazza, Taos, NM, 2001

Stables Art Gallery, Taos, NM, 2000

Memberships

American Psychological Association

American Counseling Association

Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators

Society of the Muse of the Southwest

Taos Art Association, volunteer

Foster Parent's Association

DFW Writer's Workshop

National Writers Union

Dallas Non-fiction Writers Group, chair

DFW Non-Fiction Writer's Critique Group, leader

DFW Writer's Critique Group, founder & leader

Taos Writer's Read-and-Critique Group, founder & leader

American Association of University Women

Dallas Psychological Association, member, newsletter editor

Dallas Psychological Association, Ethics Committee member

American Personnel & Guidance Association

Personal Data

Bilingual (English & Spanish)

No dependents

Born 11-16-50

Hobbies: Painting, reading, bicycling, hiking.

Name when married: Linda Agler

Community Service

Coordinator, Alternative Treatment Team, Hospice San Miguel, San Miguel de Allende, 2010 to present

Taos Dreams Literary Contest, 2004

Poetry Reading, The Word, Taos, NM

SOMOS mentor for the young writers program (2000-2003)

Poetry Reading, “Notes from a Foster Mom,” Taos, NM

Poetry Reading, Poets Against the War, Taos, NM, 2001

Poetry Reading, SOMOS 2003 Winter Series, Taos, NM

Poetry Reading & Art Exhibition, All Points Gallery, Taos, NM

Rio Bravo Paint-a-Thon, Taos, NM, 2002

Taos Community Choir, 2003

Taos High School Debate Team Judge, 2003

Storytelling Festival volunteer, 2004

Poetry Reading, Kid's Poetry Night, Taos, NM

Taos Community Auditorium, volunteer, 1995-2006

Taos Poetry Slam, contest judge

Taos Talking Picture Festival, festival volunteer, 1997, 1998

Laplaza Telecommunity, technical support volunteer, essay contest judge, 1996

Taos Council of the Arts, member

Taos Art Association, volunteer

SOMOS Writer's Organization, member

Talk Back Community Forum, panelist

Taos Bilingual Book Discussion Group, past member

Polish-to-Publish Group of Dallas/Ft. Worth, founder

DFW Writers' Workshop Adopt-A-School Program presentation to junior high school journalism classes

PENN Women International, Dallas Chapter, creative writing contest judge

PTA District Chairman, Family Life Education Committee, organizing programs on psychological topics at 52 schools throughout the district; personally taught 16 classes

Creative Writing Instructor, Lakewood Library, course for youth age 12-18

Visiting artists program, presentations on writing for elementary school students in Dallas and Watauga, TX

Guest speaker, Dallas Elementary Schools. Presented programs on how to study and do homework to students.

Trainer, Suicide Prevention Hotline. Provided training and supervision to volunteer telephone counselors.

Contact Information

LSonna@Yahoo.com. Put the word “interview” in your message to direct it to Dr. Sonna’s inbox (to keep it from ending up in spam).

Set up a filter for “Sonna” to ensure that Dr. Sonna’s goes to your inbox, or check your spam box for your reply.

Mailing address from the U.S. & Canada:

Dr. Linda Sonna

BC-2323, 9902 Crystal Court #107

Laredo, TX 78045-6379

U.S.A.

Mailing address from within Mexico:

Mesones #57 Local A. Centro

San Miguel de Allende, Gto., 37700

Mexico

Telephones:

U.S. telephone with a Dallas area code (214) 556-6311. This is an Internet phone with a Dallas area code. Dial as usual, but speak slowly when leaving a message, and say your phone number twice.

Mexico cell phone number: (415) 114-5690

To dial this cell phone number from a Mexican landline: (044) (415) 114-5690

To dial this cell phone number from the U.S.: Dial 011 – 52 – 1 – (415) – 114 – 5690. (011 is the code for dialing an international call, 52 is the country code for Mexico, 1 is the code for cell phones; 415 is the area code, 114-5690 is the cell phone number).

Skype ID: LSonna

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